Shadows of Enigma

Chapter 4 : Work, work

He looked at me and moved his lips as if he had something to say. But in the end, he didn't say anything. “It’s fine is you aren’t willing to say anything”, I said with a hint of anger.

“We were partners for sometimes”, his voice came in after some moments. “That’s all I can tell you, I’m sorry”. I was surprised. “It’s fine though.”

An envelope of silence came up again. We were already in the main city when he asked me, “Where do you work, I’ll drop you off”. “Thank you so much”, I said with joy. I quickly told him the address, then he took a turn towards the direction.

“I didn’t quite catch your name, miss”. “Isabella”, I replied feeling drawn to him and finding solace in him. “I’m Phillip”. “Philip”, I called out his name again.

“Give me your phone number, I feel like we can talk more. And you can prolly teach me how you survive with Alexander”, he said with a little laugh, while stretching out his phone to me .”Of course, you have a lot to learn”, I said with a smile as her punched them on his phone.

We reached my company’s building in a short time. “Alright we’re here Phil”. “”Phil”, alright I like the nickname”, he replied with a hearty laugh. “Well, that’s my specialty”, I replied as I stepped out of the car.

I hesitated before going into the building and said through the window, “Don’t you dare forget to call me”, I said playfully. “Alright, Alexander’s wife”, he said with his hands up and smiling.

Feeling much better, I ran towards the entrance of my office while Philip drove away.

I stepped into the office in a hurry and with relief of not getting late. I filled the attendance sheet and made my way into my office space. My subordinates were chatting when I entered. When they saw me, they all ran towards me.

I developed a sibling relationship with every one of them. They all saw me as their big sister and I behaved the same way to them. I was especially close to a young graduate who’s my personal assistant. Her name was Stella.

She was a sweetheart in every way. Be it looks, or character, just name it, Stella is a sweetheart. She’s been especially close to me ever since her father disowned her because she left the Defense academy to pursue a career in Fashion Designing.

I’ve encouraged her severally, which made her feel a sense of security and comfort with me. They all swarm around me with smiles and laughter. “Big sis”, they all said.

“Alright guys, what’s up”. After a short morning chat, everyone went back to their designated work and resumed work officially. Stella followed me to my office to get some documents concerning an upcoming project that we’ve been working on for some months.

As she was about to leave, she caught sight of something on my hand. She wore a look of shock. I was puzzled at her sudden snap and directed my eyes to where her gaze was fixed on.

“Damn”, I muttered. It was the wedding ring on my hands that caught her attention. “It’s not what you think, baby”, I quickly tried to give an explanation.

I knew that I was definitely wrong not telling her. The wedding was so impromptu and it wasn’t even up to a week after the marriage was arranged.

“It’s fine sis”, she said coldly. As she reached the door, I stopped her. “I definitely owe you an explanation, sit down”, I said. Stella hesitated still holding the documents to her chest, but she eventually gave in and sat on the chair.

I explained it all not leaving a single detail behind. Stella reasoned with me and even sympathized. To wrap it up, Stella said “Well, I have one thing to say, you’re husband is a jerk and anytime he tries to bully you again, he’ll definitely answer to me!”, she said raising her fists up

I laughed “Of course, I’ll call you okay?”. “Sister, take care. And I’m with you with whatever decision you make, okay?”. “Alright”, I answered with a slight nod. With that she left the office. I heaved a sigh of relief before I continued my work.

At 4pm, I closed from work, whilst arranging for my car to be brought to Alexander’s house, at least to reduce the risk of getting late again

I booked a cab and went back to the house. As I stepped in, I discovered Alexander wasn’t home when. I felt much relaxed. And one of my observations was also that I hadn’t seen any house workers, because a house as big as this would definitely need workers to maintain.

I stepped into my room to change into more casual home clothes, when Jace came knocking on my room door. “Miss Isabella, welcome home”. I smiled and opened the door to meet Jace leaning against the doorpost.

“What’s up Jace?”, I asked with smile since I finally have someone to talk to. “I’m good, how was work today?”. “Stressful as….whew”, I replied. “Sorry, hope you’ve had lunch?”, he asked with a sign of concern. “Yes, at the office cafeteria”. “Well, those food are not nutritious enough”, come downstairs and eat something”, he said with concern.

“Alright”, I said with a chuckle. “By the way Jace, I haven’t see any domestic workers in this house”. “That’s why you need the tour your husband said I should give to you”.

Yes, I’ve forgotten about that. I want to see what secrets this mansion carries.